The Arizona Diamondbacks picked him in the 2nd round of the 2002 amateur draft. He was signed by scout Trip Couch and was sent to the California League in 2002 and part of 2003 where he showed some power, hitting 19 home runs in 129 games in the two seasons. Moved up to the Double A Texas League during 2003, he struggled at first but the next year in 2004 he hit 15 home runs with a .301 average in 99 games, and got his chance at the big leagues.

The Diamondbacks used six players at catcher in 2004, with no one player getting more than 54 games there. Juan Brito had the most playing time, and second was Robby Hammock. Snyder made his debut on August 21st and played 29 games. He became the regular catcher in 2005, appearing in 115 games. 35-year-old Kelly Stinnett backed him up, as did Koyie Hill. 30-year-old Johnny Estrada became the regular in 2006, hitting .302 with 11 home runs. Snyder appeared in 61 games, hitting .277.

Chris was involved in a scary off-field situation on June 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, PA, while a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. While he was sidelined with a bad back, he was riding in his car with his two children and his wife Carla driving, when she nearly collided with a man on a scooter. The man became enraged, followed their car to a gas station, kicked the couple’s vehicle, ripped a mirror off the car and then took a swing at Carla, with Chris unable to help as his injury prevented him from getting out of the car on his own. The assailant was subdued by passers-by and was arrested for assault.